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Steven Stamkos scores 500th career point with rocket on the power play

It may be hard to believe, but Steven Stamkos has already notched his 500th point. On a power play against the Bruins, Stamkos wound up and unleashed a blast from the top of the left circle that found its way past Boston goaltender Tuukka Rask.

When Steven Stamkos goes to the bargaining table to negotiate a new deal, he can add 500-point scorer to his resume.

During Monday’s matinee game between Stamkos’ Tampa Bay Lightning and the Boston Bruins, Stamkos scored one of his textbook goals. With the Bolts on the power play, Stamkos found his position at the top of the left wing circle, took a pass from Anton Stralman and ripped a one-timer past Bruins netminder Tuukka Rask:

It seems fitting Stamkos would score his 500th point on a slap shot from the top of the circle, seeing as during the best seasons of his young career, that’s exactly where he posted up to victimize goaltenders around the league. It was exactly this type of goal that led Stamkos to 51 goals — and 24 on the power play — during his sophomore season. His cannon of a shot also helped him net 12 power play markers during his incredible 60-goal campaign. In his career, Stamkos now has 278 goals and 222 assists.

Stamkos’ power play goal was his second of the 2015-16 season as he chases down a potential third Rocket Richard Trophy. He won the award in 2009-10 and 2011-12 and finished in second — with 10 fewer goals — to Alex Ovechkin in 2014-15.

The Lightning went on to pick up the victory in Monday's game, 6-3, and moved to 3-0-0 on the campaign.